Santa Barbara Wanderings

Passing through Ventura on the way north to Santa Barbara

A last minute trip to Santa Barbara - sure thing! Let’s visit some old favorites and discover some new ones.

Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)

I happen to enjoying exploring college campuses when visiting a city. Though I don’t plan to go back and get another degree, I am a student at heart! In any case, on this most recent trip our stay was very close to SBCC, the subject of a previous post and the site of my favorite stone garden space. I was happy to step on campus once more. As class is in-person this school year, it was nice to see students roaming the campus, in contrast to my previous pandemic visit when learning was virtual.

The recently renovated track and field, though inviting to this runner, was closed to the public. Perhaps next time, a run on the track will be possible.

Shoreline Park

Shoreline Park, located atop the Mesa and across SBCC, offers amazing coastal and mountain views. Shown above, the southeast view over Leadbetter Beach. Also shown, two lucky homes which enjoy that daily view. I was especially captivated by the home on the left with the sun room.
Coffee and Noshing

On the recommendation of an Instagram friend, brunch was at Alessia, a relatively new French patisserie. The seasonal Apple Cider Mimosa was the perfect beverage to accompany the luxurious Mushroom Toast!
Handlebar, my favorite coffee store in Santa Barbara happened to be located right next door, so an espresso was taken there. The habitual souvenir purchase of coffee beans was made as well.

Mid-Century Architecture

This unassuming (from the outside) medical office complex on the corner of Chapala and W Arrellaga was quite the photographic find! The color palette, design of the building and planting selection was spot on. (gallery of images above)

A block away from the medical office complex, on the corner of W Micheltotena and Chapala, I found another mid-century office space. This post and beam complex photographed nicely too!

Those were the highlights from this trip. Another bonus was the smooth 2 hour drive each way!

Headed south through Ventura back to Los Angeles